Homeschooled Knotties shout-out!

theartistformerlyknownas · January 2015

Come on out of the woodwork! Were you homeschooled? Which years, or all of them? What did you think of your experience? Would you homeschool your kids, if you have them?

Let's show the world how awesome and socially adjusted we all are.

@hellohkb @lovesclimbing @levioosa @flantastic @hellosweetie1018 @velvethelicopters who else?

PrettyGirlLost · January 2015

Lol why is no one posting?

theartistformerlyknownas · January 2015

I was homeschooled grades 6-12 because my parents thought they could provide my siblings and me a better education than the school we were in. We all had varying degrees of success with it... my older sister and I were a little more self-motivated as far as getting our work done without micromanaging, while the younger two needed a little more guidance. Overall we had a lot of socialization with homeschool groups and through after-school jobs and 4-H. My older sister and I both went to the same private university and graduated with honors (older sis got her masters as well). Younger brother had a bit of trouble adjusting to college, ended up doing a short stint with the Air Force, and is now completing his degree and working in IT. Younger sister decided college wasn't for her, became a certified paramedic and now works dispatching emergency helicopters.

I definitely don't plan on sending my kids to public school - I gained too much of an appreciation for the value of tailoring a learning experience toward a student's particular needs, and I don't feel like our current system supports PS teachers adequately in order to be able to do this, via class sizes, resources, etc. This is in part through my own experience, and partially from working as a tutor while in college - so many of the students just never fundamentally learned how to learn. They were taught to a test, or force-fed information because it was the most efficient way to get large classes through the material. My H and all of his siblings/cousins went to Catholic school and had great experiences, so we would consider that. Depends on where we're at financially and in our careers when we get to that point.

theartistformerlyknownas · January 2015

PrettyGirlLost said:

Lol why is no one posting?

Haha I was typing.

It was long. I asked a lot of questions.

flantastic · January 2015

Yup, long response is the answer. When I was done I saved the draft to see if the conversation had moved on without me already

Homeschooled K-8 (no preschool, I started K when I was 4.) My parents knew there wasn't a grade school in the area at which I wouldn't be bored, and my mom was already a SAHM so they just figured they could give me a better education.

I didn't have a great experience with it socially, but that wasn't for lack of trying. I'm pretty sure that my girl scout troop and the grade in school that year was run by bitches. We did join a homeschooling group for a while since there wasn't much support for it at the time, but it quickly became apparent to me that "I know I'm not cool, but OMG THESE KIDS are at a whole other level." As I've said before, I think that's because their parents' goal was to shelter them from everything. Each of my siblings did fine with having friends from church/the neighborhood while in grade school. My youngest brother and sister still see a lot of them even when they go/went to different high schools.

H went to a private grade school, and thinks that socialization is a necessity, even if the school itself isn't as good. Sometimes I joke with him about how he's implying that I must be socially awkward or somehow didn't turn out right. I'd be willing to homeschool them if we decided that was their best option, but I'm not going to be adamant about it as the best way. I definitely think I got a better education than my peers, and there's a lot of aspects about it that I'm grateful for, even the stuff I hated as a 7th grader.

VulgarGirl · January 2015

I was a public school kid, but I totally agree with your assessment of public school. I really want to figure out something else for our offspring. I'm not sure what though. Wifey would love a private school, I like some of our charter schools, not sure we could pull off homeschooling.

PrettyGirlLost · January 2015

lolo883 said:

PrettyGirlLost said:

Lol why is no one posting?

Haha I was typing. It was long. I asked a lot of questions.

I was like OMG no one wants to talk to Lolo, lol!!!!!!

l9i · January 2015

I was not homeschooled but I would consider it for my future children if I was able. I was bored most of my way through school because I didn't think the pace was fast enough. I think my last two years of high school I did most of my coursework at the local university which was wonderful and got my a full year ahead before going to college. So I certainly see the benefits of tailoring an education, one size does not fit all.

I know several kids that are homeschooled currently through coaching youth sports and they get plenty of interaction. A lot of times if someone wouldn't have told me I would not have known because believe it or not, not every homeschooled kid fits that stereotype everyone thinks of lol

flantastic · January 2015

lolo883 said:

I was homeschooled grades 6-12 because my parents thought they could provide my siblings and me a better education than the school we were in. We all had varying degrees of success with it... my older sister and I were a little more self-motivated as far as getting our work done without micromanaging, while the younger two needed a little more guidance. Overall we had a lot of socialization with homeschool groups and through after-school jobs and 4-H. My older sister and I both went to the same private university and graduated with honors (older sis got her masters as well). Younger brother had a bit of trouble adjusting to college, ended up doing a short stint with the Air Force, and is now completing his degree and working in IT. Younger sister decided college wasn't for her, became a certified paramedic and now works dispatching emergency helicopters.

I definitely don't plan on sending my kids to public school - I gained too much of an appreciation for the value of tailoring a learning experience toward a student's particular needs, and I don't feel like our current system supports PS teachers adequately in order to be able to do this, via class sizes, resources, etc. This is in part through my own experience, and partially from working as a tutor while in college - so many of the students just never fundamentally learned how to learn. They were taught to a test, or force-fed information because it was the most efficient way to get large classes through the material. My H and all of his siblings/cousins went to Catholic school and had great experiences, so we would consider that. Depends on where we're at financially and in our careers when we get to that point.

Yeah, public school's probably not an option, although it may be depending on where exactly we live. Either we can afford the Catholic school, or we'll probably homeschool them.

velvethelicopters · January 2015

K-5.

The she demon wanted to avoid exposure to evil society. I pretty intentionally failed the proven tests to say I was on track, so I had to go to publicense school.

My daughters are in a non religious private school. They're just in pre-K yet, and it's pretty relaxed still. I'm happy with it as of now, it's in line with what I was doing at home. Local religious schools range from meh to crap and the high schools are atrocious. Public school isn't evil, but it's not for me. My girls are "advanced" because they can cut out a picture on heavily drawn lines. Sorry, that's basic skill to me. But PS has kids who don't even know how to hold scissors, and those children deserve an education. So it goes to teaching at lowest common denominator, and I can guarantee my girls would be bored and thus causing mayhem.

larrygaga · January 2015

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRsPheErBj8

-l

hellohkb · January 2015

I'm on TK mobile so can't answer the questions but *fist bump* to all the homeschooled knotties!

levioosa · January 2015

I was homeschooled 5-8th grade because my Mom wanted to spend more time with us and because she felt like we weren't getting as far ahead as we could be. I kind of got pulled out of school along with my brother because my brother was about to enter 2nd grade with a teacher from hell (she was the biggest bitch and had no business teaching children. She tried to fail me for refusing to perform a PE exercise that I knew would hurt a disability I had) and my Mom didn't want him to have to go through her class too.

I freaking loved it. I got to sleep in until ten, wake up, and power through my classwork until about one or two and then I was free for the rest of the day (it's probably important to note here that I'm a good self-starter/motivator). I got through way more work than I did at school and was finishing about 3-4+ different curriculum programs a year. In addition, once a week we went to classes that my Mom didn't feel comfortable teaching us (math and science). It allowed us time to socialize and that's where I met my best friends today. It was great having friends who challenged me with healthy competition.

Some of my best memories are random field trips that our Moms just decided to do in the morning. I was exposed to way more museums, zoos, aquariums, and concerts than kids today in school will ever get to experience (which truly saddens me). Homeschooling also allowed us to take some awesome family vacations since we weren't on a rigid school schedule.

I'm not sure whether or not I'll home school my kids. I've thought about it. I suppose it will probably depend a lot on life circumstances when that time comes. Part of me really wants to home school early and then send to private school later, mostly because I've been watching my friend's kids go to school (Pre-K, Kindergarten, etc) and the amount of homework they have is ridiculous. It's like all the joy of early education has been sucked out of school. I used to babysit a seven year old who would come home with two hours of homework after going to school all day. That's not what I want school to be like for my kids. I want my kids to be in love with learning, growing, and experiencing.

So....that was a novel. haha

flantastic · January 2015

levioosa said:

I was homeschooled 5-8th grade because my Mom wanted to spend more time with us and because she felt like we weren't getting as far ahead as we could be. I kind of got pulled out of school along with my brother because my brother was about to enter 2nd grade with a teacher from hell (she was the biggest bitch and had no business teaching children. She tried to fail me for refusing to perform a PE exercise that I knew would hurt a disability I had) and my Mom didn't want him to have to go through her class too.

I freaking loved it. I got to sleep in until ten, wake up, and power through my classwork until about one or two and then I was free for the rest of the day (it's probably important to note here that I'm a good self-starter/motivator). I got through way more work than I did at school and was finishing about 3-4+ different curriculum programs a year. In addition, once a week we went to classes that my Mom didn't feel comfortable teaching us (math and science). It allowed us time to socialize and that's where I met my best friends today. It was great having friends who challenged me with healthy competition.

Some of my best memories are random field trips that our Moms just decided to do in the morning. I was exposed to way more museums, zoos, aquariums, and concerts than kids today in school will ever get to experience (which truly saddens me). Homeschooling also allowed us to take some awesome family vacations since we weren't on a rigid school schedule.

I'm not sure whether or not I'll home school my kids. I've thought about it. I suppose it will probably depend a lot on life circumstances when that time comes. Part of me really wants to home school early and then send to private school later, mostly because I've been watching my friend's kids go to school (Pre-K, Kindergarten, etc) and the amount of homework they have is ridiculous. It's like all the joy of early education has been sucked out of school. I used to babysit a seven year old who would come home with two hours of homework after going to school all day. That's not what I want school to be like for my kids. I want my kids to be in love with learning, growing, and experiencing.

So....that was a novel. haha

Ah, yes. College classes were much more on my comfort level than all the wasted time in a 8-3 school day. When I first went to high school I was amazed at the amount of wasted time. My parents always gave us the option of sleeping in, but then you were going to have work later in the day, or wake up at a reasonable hour and be done by noon. They also reminded that if some of our work required checking in with mom, mom was available at certain times and at other times she was busy, so if you didn't plan well that was on you.

arrippa · January 2015

I read an article about a family that decided to travel for a year. They pulled their kids out of school and homeschooled them around the world. If I had kids, I want to do this.

theartistformerlyknownas · January 2015

levioosa said:

I was homeschooled 5-8th grade because my Mom wanted to spend more time with us and because she felt like we weren't getting as far ahead as we could be. I kind of got pulled out of school along with my brother because my brother was about to enter 2nd grade with a teacher from hell (she was the biggest bitch and had no business teaching children. She tried to fail me for refusing to perform a PE exercise that I knew would hurt a disability I had) and my Mom didn't want him to have to go through her class too.

I freaking loved it. I got to sleep in until ten, wake up, and power through my classwork until about one or two and then I was free for the rest of the day (it's probably important to note here that I'm a good self-starter/motivator). I got through way more work than I did at school and was finishing about 3-4+ different curriculum programs a year. In addition, once a week we went to classes that my Mom didn't feel comfortable teaching us (math and science). It allowed us time to socialize and that's where I met my best friends today. It was great having friends who challenged me with healthy competition.

Some of my best memories are random field trips that our Moms just decided to do in the morning. I was exposed to way more museums, zoos, aquariums, and concerts than kids today in school will ever get to experience (which truly saddens me). Homeschooling also allowed us to take some awesome family vacations since we weren't on a rigid school schedule.

I'm not sure whether or not I'll home school my kids. I've thought about it. I suppose it will probably depend a lot on life circumstances when that time comes. Part of me really wants to home school early and then send to private school later, mostly because I've been watching my friend's kids go to school (Pre-K, Kindergarten, etc) and the amount of homework they have is ridiculous. It's like all the joy of early education has been sucked out of school. I used to babysit a seven year old who would come home with two hours of homework after going to school all day. That's not what I want school to be like for my kids. I want my kids to be in love with learning, growing, and experiencing.

So....that was a novel. haha

I LOVED these aspects of homeschooling! We went bowling for PE, took a trip to Philly for history, etc. And I especially loved that we could go during less busy days and times, and be able to experience them without all the crowds of people.

SmileDamnit · January 2015

arrippa said:

I read an article about a family that decided to travel for a year. They pulled their kids out of school and homeschooled them around the world. If I had kids, I want to do this.

I have a friend who did this. Actually, she "unschools" (had to look up what that means), or at least did for a few years. Still does her youngest, but her middle son has chosen to return to public school for his last 2 years and her oldest daughter is 18. It really seemed to work for their family.

lurkergirl · January 2015

I went to public school, but I was lucky to he in an amazing school district. If ny kids did public, we would definitely have to move. FI was a private school kid, and that's what he wants for our kids. I tend to agree but am more open to homeschooling than he is. He likes some aspects of it, but I don't think he's totally convinced yet.

His niece and nephew spent their first 5 years in a private school, but now they do a home - private hybrid. They do 2 days a week at school and 3 at home. The idea is that you get the best of both worlds, and they are really growing in popularity here.

We know we want our own kids in a bigger high school, and we have considered getting involved (ie donating $$$) in the alumni association from his high school in an effort to get them in there.

[Deleted User] · January 2015

I was not home schooled, but with the state of today's education system, I can see the appeal for those who have kids.

That said, I know someone who is homeschooling their children and that person doesn't know basic things like when to use then vs. than or the correct version of to / two / too. Isn't that a bit like the blind leading the blind?

ETF: wrong word

ashley8918 · January 2015

I wasn't home schooled and I would NEVVVVEEERR home school my kids. But that's because I have, like, negative patience, hahaha.

lurkergirl · January 2015

FeeleyToBe said:
I was not home schooled, but with the state of today's education system, I can see the appeal for those who have kids.

That said, I know someone who is homeschooling their children and that person doesn't know basic things like when to you then vs. than or the correct version of to / two / too. Isn't that a bit like the blind leading the blind?

______________

Ugh yes that is definitely a downside to it. Plus I'd be willing to bet that the homeschooling crowd might have overlaps with the anti vaxxer crowd...wouldn't want my kids in that home school group! Luckily I have an education degree, so I am up on the latest research and know all about common core!

lovemyrunner · January 2015

I went to Catholic schools for 12 years, and in my area there is some debate as to whether they are "better" than public schools. I went to a public university for all of my four degrees, and I will say, I was SHOCKED at the things my peers didn't know. Like how to write a five paragraph essay, or how to cite sources.

I don't plan on sending my children to public schools for the reasons you all have listed. I would add though, that my class sizes in Catholic school weren't any smaller than public schools at the time, around 30-32 students. But I think the expectations were different. You were expected to behave yourself and to meet the academic standards set. I think sometimes public schools set the bar too low, and don't give students credit that they can do better. Of course, there is also the argument that parents who are paying tuition for K-12 are more likely to be involved in their children's lives and schoolwork which also contributes to academic success. And of course, none of these generalizations take into account children with learning disabilities.

I must admit, I'm typically wary of people who homeschool. Those who do so conscientiously probably *are* doing a better job than the school system. But I always wonder about the motivation. Because you know some whack-jobs are doing it so their kids never hear anything but fundamentalist views. You know, those people that treat the Flintstones like it was a fucking documentary, not that this can't happen in public schools too (looking at you, Kansas!). Or the people who don't want their children interacting with brown people and so on and so forth. But, I'd imagine these folks are in the minority.

hellohkb · January 2015

FeeleyToBe said:
I was not home schooled, but

FeeleyToBe said:
I was not home schooled, but with the state of today's education system, I can see the appeal for those who have kids.

That said, I know someone who is homeschooling their children and that person doesn't know basic things like when to you then vs. than or the correct version of to / two / too. Isn't that a bit like the blind leading the blind?

Depending on the curriculum, not necessarily. And to be fair I know a few teachers who can barely spell or use proper grammar either. My cousin is a teacher and I have no clue how she was able to land that job when she's a horrible speller

hellohkb · January 2015

What the hell.. My last response was all kinds of crazy. I don't even know how to fix those damn boxes

chibiyui · January 2015

This topic frustrates me.

I believe that every parent should be able to choose what is best for their kids.

But.

It seems like such a trend to bash public schools and pull kids for home schooling/private schools, especially for middle and upper middle class. And it just exacerbates the stress on public schools. Instead of involved parents and communities working together, it's broken so why fix it? Politicians bash education as fiscally wasteful, people complain about teachers being paid too much, and the poor get stuck with what the rest of the nation deems unwanted. Former governor Corbett said in response to Philadelphia schools having budgets slashed again who he's supposed to take money from tour fund them. Maybe the loaded school districts surrounding the city who already have great teachers, students who aren't going hungry with books for every kid that aren't 10 years outdated?

Free education is one of the cornerstonessential of a successful society. There is no upward mobility without it. I don't begrudge individuals for choosing different, I just wish it didn't adversely effect those who don't have a choice.

I'm also frustrated because H wants our future progeny to attend the private school he went to, and I hate that it's probably the best choice for them.

hellohkb · January 2015

chibiyui said:
This topic frustrates me.

I believe that every parent should be able to choose what is best for their kids.

But.

It seems like such a trend to bash public schools and pull kids for home schooling/private schools, especially for middle and upper middle class. And it just exacerbates the stress on public schools. Instead of involved parents and communities working together, it's broken so why fix it? Politicians bash education as fiscally wasteful, people complain about teachers being paid too much, and the poor get stuck with what the rest of the nation deems unwanted. Former governor Corbett said in response to Philadelphia schools having budgets slashed again who he's supposed to take money from tour fund them. Maybe the loaded school districts surrounding the city who already have great teachers, students who aren't going hungry with books for every kid that aren't 10 years outdated?

Free education is one of the cornerstonessential of a successful society. There is no upward mobility without it. I don't begrudge individuals for choosing different, I just wish it didn't adversely effect those who don't have a choice.

I'm also frustrated because H wants our future progeny to attend the private school he went to, and I hate that it's probably the best choice for them.

I don't think public school is terrible. If I didn't homeschool my kids or send them to an alternative school (like a hybrid, montessori, etc) I would send them to public over a traditional private. It really depends on the child. I'm a nanny and the family I work for sent their kids all over the place to some of the most expensive schools in the state. Turns out 2 out of 3 love public and will never go back. I don't hate on public schools. However, it's so frustrating to constantly hear how homeschooling is so bad, how do the poor kids get socialization, etc. I think no matter what choice parents make someone will have something to say.

chibiyui · January 2015

hellohkb said:

chibiyui said:
This topic frustrates me.

I believe that every parent should be able to choose what is best for their kids.

But.

It seems like such a trend to bash public schools and pull kids for home schooling/private schools, especially for middle and upper middle class. And it just exacerbates the stress on public schools. Instead of involved parents and communities working together, it's broken so why fix it? Politicians bash education as fiscally wasteful, people complain about teachers being paid too much, and the poor get stuck with what the rest of the nation deems unwanted. Former governor Corbett said in response to Philadelphia schools having budgets slashed again who he's supposed to take money from tour fund them. Maybe the loaded school districts surrounding the city who already have great teachers, students who aren't going hungry with books for every kid that aren't 10 years outdated?

Free education is one of the cornerstonessential of a successful society. There is no upward mobility without it. I don't begrudge individuals for choosing different, I just wish it didn't adversely effect those who don't have a choice.

I'm also frustrated because H wants our future progeny to attend the private school he went to, and I hate that it's probably the best choice for them.
I don't think public school is terrible. If I didn't homeschool my kids or send them to an alternative school (like a hybrid, montessori, etc) I would send them to public over a traditional private. It really depends on the child. I'm a nanny and the family I work for sent their kids all over the place to some of the most expensive schools in the state. Turns out 2 out of 3 love public and will never go back. I don't hate on public schools. However, it's so frustrating to constantly hear how homeschooling is so bad, how do the poor kids get socialization, etc. I think no matter what choice parents make someone will have something to say.

I can understand that.

And lord, everybody has an opinion on how other kids should be raised. Lol.

That said, what I've seen so far for montessori I like. I should do a little more digging on that, might be a good compromise.

levioosa · January 2015

chibiyui said:

This topic frustrates me. I believe that every parent should be able to choose what is best for their kids. But. It seems like such a trend to bash public schools and pull kids for home schooling/private schools, especially for middle and upper middle class. And it just exacerbates the stress on public schools. Instead of involved parents and communities working together, it's broken so why fix it? Politicians bash education as fiscally wasteful, people complain about teachers being paid too much, and the poor get stuck with what the rest of the nation deems unwanted. Former governor Corbett said in response to Philadelphia schools having budgets slashed again who he's supposed to take money from tour fund them. Maybe the loaded school districts surrounding the city who already have great teachers, students who aren't going hungry with books for every kid that aren't 10 years outdated? Free education is one of the cornerstonessential of a successful society. There is no upward mobility without it. I don't begrudge individuals for choosing different, I just wish it didn't adversely effect those who don't have a choice. I'm also frustrated because H wants our future progeny to attend the private school he went to, and I hate that it's probably the best choice for them.

I don't bash those who went to school, and I have nothing against public schools. Near my Aunt, there are public schools that are better than private schools, and they aren't necessarily always in "great" areas. You have to admit though, our education system needs an overhaul, and many of the practices are actually hurting the students. For example, my brother also went to high school (a different high school). Because of the administrative push to get "good scores" his teachers taught "to the test" out of fear of getting poor scores and losing their jobs, classes, or funding for the school. They didn't like it. They hated it. But they had to do it. Great teachers are wasted when the focus is purely on meeting monthly testing goals.

I wish there wasn't so much controversy over school. I wish teachers had more resources and better pay, and that more resources were available to families. Education is extremely important to a growing society.

As far as the crazy homeschoolers go from PPs, yeah, of course they exist. I had friends without birth certificates because "the government was watching." *cue giant roll from everyone, me included* The type of crazy definitely depended on which home school group you went with (to be safe you choose an "umbrella" organization, usually under a private school, that allows you to validate your grades). Let's just say some groups have a whole lot more crazy than others, but I think those people would find each other regardless if they were home schooled or not.

Edited: Grammar

hellohkb · January 2015

@chibiyui‌ Yeah, I find that aspect of parenting so annoying. Like, oh. Thank you for your unsolicited opinion! It may be a very good compromise. FH went to catholic school and is very open to homeschooling but I like the idea of montessori

hellosweetie1015 · January 2015

I was! I loved it - it worked really, really well for me. I was a very shy child, and the ability to actually have someone I trusted to ask a question helped me immensely if I didn't understand something.

I was homeschooled from K-10th grade. My parents originally planned to send me to a kindergarten and then see how I did, but by the time I was kindergarten age, the kindergarten they applied to turned me away because I was more advanced than they were equipped to handle - they taught shapes and colors and the alphabet and basic reading, and by that time I was on small chapter books. So there's that.

The decision about schooling for my own kids would fall mostly on where we were, and the resources available to us, and the time we (read: I) had at our (my) disposal. If we were in a really good school district, or able to send our kids to a private school of the caliber that I attended, then I'd absolutely consider a more traditional take. I will say that the ultimate decision would rest more on whether I feel it would work for the kid, or if I have more than one, whether it would work best for each kid. I've got no qualms putting one in traditional school and keeping one out, because each kid is different. All of my siblings did much better in school than they did being homeschooled, but I was absolutely self motivated and a lot less comfortable with people, and I know I would have struggled severely in school as a child. I struggled as a 16-year-old, and I struggled as a 21-year-old, and I struggle still as a 26-year-old.

If, today, FI and I had a school-age child, s/he would likely be homeschooled, or at the very least it would be considered. Our income is not such that we could afford any of the better private schools in this area, nor is it such a small amount that the pittance I bring home every week would be a huge loss to us. I could, theoretically, stay home with a kid pretty easily. Combine that with the facts that the school districts in the area nearest our work are not great, and the decent schools in the area are much too far from our jobs to make it feasible, and frankly to me it's a no brainer.

I am certainly not a banner child of social adjustment, but I feel pretty strongly that that has very little to do with the educational choices made by my parents and a lot to do with the fact that I prefer my people to people in general, and the list of "my people" is very, very small and always has been.

Cookie Pusher · January 2015

I attended one of the top rated public high schools in the state (we've also been ranked top school several times). I know people who taught at private/Catholic schools who were flat out told they were not allowed to fail any students no matter how poorly they were doing. That being said, I would never try to say one type of school is better than others because there are way too many variables.

The same goes for homeschooling. I know families that have homeschooled whose children are brilliant and well-adjusted. I also know families who homeschool whose now-adult children cannot function well in the outside world. When I was just starting school, I was living in an area with terrible public schools. My parents would never be able to afford private school. Going to a terrible public school was honestly a better option than my parents homeschooling me because... well... Engrish would not have gotten me very far in the world. We were fortunate enough to move to a better area with better public schools when I got older.

Homeschooled Knotties shout-out!

Re: Homeschooled Knotties shout-out!

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